LONDON: Pakistan’s military has firmly ruled out the possibility of negotiating or striking a deal with imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, British newspaper The Guardian reported, quoting senior military sources.
The statement comes after the former prime minister expressed a willingness to engage in talks with the military leadership from his prison cell. A UK newspaper reports that former Prime Minister Imran Khan, through his legal team, confirmed he has had no direct contact with Pakistan’s military since his arrest in August of the previous year. Despite previously accusing the military of orchestrating his government’s downfall and his incarceration, Khan expressed openness to engaging with the establishment, albeit under certain conditions.
Behind the scenes, military leadership alleges that Khan has been seeking negotiations with the establishment, reportedly offering “unconditional” talks to secure his release. However, senior military officials remain steadfast in their refusal, insisting that Khan must face the legal cases against him without expecting concessions. A military source stated, “Khan advocates for the rule of law but appears unwilling to subject himself to it.”
In his response to the newspaper, Khan emphasized that any potential engagement with the military must align with principles and serve the public interest, not personal gain. He added, “I would rather spend the rest of my life in prison than compromise on my principles.”
Facing over 100 legal cases, which he describes as politically motivated, Khan’s tone towards the military has softened during his incarceration. Nonetheless, he continues to deny all charges and questions the possibility of being tried in a military court. “How can a civilian, let alone a former prime minister, be tried in a military court? It’s absurd and alarming,” Khan remarked.
The government has yet to confirm whether Khan will face trial in a military court, intensifying debates over the fairness of legal proceedings against the former leader.
